Lieutenant Colonel Brian Radler is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and a graduate of the University of Louisville. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant following Officer Candidates School in February 2008. He subsequently reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola for flight training, continuing through NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville, and was designated a Naval Aviator in June 2011. In September 2011, Lieutenant Colonel reported to VFA-106, NAS Oceana, for initial training in the F/A-18 Hornet.
In September 2012, Lieutenant Colonel Radler was assigned to the “Hawks” of VMFA(AW)-533 in Beaufort, South Carolina. During this tour, he deployed twice to the Indo-Pacific region as part of the Unit Deployment Program to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. While forward deployed, he participated in multiple trilateral exercises in the Philippines, Thailand, Guam, and Korea, strengthening allied partnerships and supporting U.S. regional objectives. His collateral billets included S-3 Scheduling Officer, Responsible Officer, and S-4 Officer.
Following his tour with VMFA(AW)-533, Lieutenant Colonel Radler reported to 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During this assignment, he completed the Air Officer Course of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course and the U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course. He served as the Battalion Air Officer, Joint Terminal Attack Controller Program Manager, and Headquarters and Service Company Commander, overseeing JTAC training and supporting live-fire CAS, airborne operations, and amphibious training.
In December 2017, Lieutenant Colonel Radler was assigned to the “Bats” of VMFA(AW)-242 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. He served as the squadron Operations Officer and played a key role in the unit’s transition from the F/A-18D to the F-35B. His additional billets included Aviation Safety Officer, Director of Safety and Standardization, Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and S-1 Officer in Charge.
In November 2020, Lieutenant Colonel Radler reported to the “SharpShooters” of VMFAT-101 and later to VMFA-323 Fleet Replacement Detachment, where he served as an F/A-18 Instructor Pilot. His collateral billets included Quality Assurance Officer, S-4 Officer, S-6 Officer, and Aviation Safety Officer. He remained with the FRS through the VMFAT-101 sundown in October 2023 and continued in his instructor and staff roles until departing active duty in April 2024.
In April 2024, Lieutenant Colonel Radler joined the “Cowboys” of VMFA-112 as a Select Marine Reservist.
Lieutenant Colonel Radler returned to active duty in February 2025 and was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 41 as the Future Operations Officer. In January 2025, he assumed duties as the Executive Officer and MAG-41 Headquarters Site Commander.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Armed Forces Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (four awards).